What are the risks of taking ecstasy?

Learn about the risks associated with taking ecstasy, its impact on teenagers, and strategies for mindful decision-making and safety.

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  • Suitable for members aged 12-17
  • 4 minute read
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  • Providing help and guidance on Drugs and Staying Safe
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Understanding Ecstasy: What You Need to Know

Ecstasy, also known by its chemical name MDMA (Methylenedioxymethamphetamine), is a popular recreational drug among some party-goers and festival attendees. Often associated with the dance culture, ecstasy is reputed for enhancing feelings of love, emotional warmth, and empathy towards others. Despite its notoriety for being a 'love drug', there are considerable risks and side effects that come with its use, especially for teenagers.

What is Ecstasy and How is it Used?

Ecstasy typically comes in pill or tablet form, often imprinted with graphic designs or logos, making them visually distinctive. It can also be found in powder form, known as Molly, which is supposed to be a purer form of MDMA. The drug works by significantly boosting the activity of three neurotransmitters in the brain: dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. The release of these chemicals causes the heightened emotions, increased energy, and pleasure the drug is known for, but also contributes to most of its harmful effects.

The Physical and Psychological Risks of Ecstasy

Immediate Physical Risks

What are the risks of taking ecstasy?
  • Hyperthermia: One of the most critical risks is a sharp increase in body temperature (hyperthermia), which can lead to organ failure.
  • Dehydration and Hyponatremia: Ecstasy can also cause severe dehydration or, paradoxically, hyponatremia (water intoxication) due to excessive water intake.
  • Heart and Kidney Failure: High doses of MDMA can increase the risk of heart and kidney failure.

Long-term Psychological Effects

  • Neurotoxicity: Research suggests that long-term ecstasy use can damage serotonin-producing neurons, leading to a decrease in serotonin levels which can cause mood disturbances, and cognitive issues.
  • Depression and Anxiety: Users often experience depression and anxiety after the drug wears off, and long-term, this can evolve into more severe mental health issues.
  • Dependency and Addiction: While not as addictive as other substances, there are still significant risks of becoming dependent on the feelings induced by MDMA.

Real-Life Impact on Teenagers

For teenagers, whose brains and bodies are still developing, the risks associated with ecstasy are even more severe. The allure of heightened emotional experiences can be particularly tempting for young individuals seeking acceptance or thrill. However, the aftermath of such use can be devastating. Cognitive impairments caused by ecstasy, such as memory loss or lack of concentration, can affect academic performance and social interactions. Moreover, the depression and isolation that may follow its use can exacerbate teenage angst and impact mental health significantly.

Practical Strategies for Safety

Education and Awareness

Arm yourself with knowledge about the effects of MDMA. Understanding what the drug does to the body and mind is the first step in making informed decisions.

Peer Support and Healthy Environment

Stay in environments that promote healthy activities. Surround yourself with peers who support you and engage in drug-free recreational activities. Should you find yourself in environments where drug use is prevalent, plan for safe ways to avoid peer pressure.

Talk to Someone

If you're struggling with peer pressure or drug-related issues, talking to a trusted adult, counsellor, or professional can provide guidance and support.

Seeking Help

If you or someone you know is already using ecstasy and wants to stop, it's important to seek professional help. Drug addiction services are confidential and can provide tailored support suited to your personal circumstances.

Conclusion

While ecstasy might seem like a quick route to euphoria, the risks it poses, especially to teenagers, are significant and multifaceted. The best approach is always one of caution and informed decision-making. It's crucial to remind yourself of the long-term implications that recreational drug use can have on your physical and mental health, and the impact it can have on your future.

How are you feeling?

It is really important that when we need help, we feel able to ask for it. This could be speaking to a parent, a close friend, a teacher or someone else you trust. Sometimes it can be really hard to share our feelings with other people but if we are feeling low or don't know where to turn, sharing with others is really important. Teachers will always take you seriously and listen to your problems in confidence if you approach them for help. Likewise, parents, siblings or friends will help you if you reach out to them.

If you feel like you can't speak to anyone you know, there are people and organisations that can help support you:

  • Childline - Call them on 0800 1111 any time of the day or night, every day of the week
  • NSPCC - Call them on 0808 800 5000 between 10am and 4pm Monday to Friday or email them on help@NSPCC.org.uk
  • The Samaritans – Call them on 116 123 any time of the day or night, every day of the week
  • SANE – Call 0300 304 7000 for support (4:30pm - 10:30pm every day)
  • Mind – Call 0300 123 3393 (9:00am - 6:00pm Monday to Friday)

*Sometimes we will use real life examples in our articles to aid understanding. When we do, names and ages will be changed.